Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2011 (cask 2322501/2011) - Cask Masters (Brave New Spirits) vs Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Side-by-side comparison — price, ABV, scores, tasting notes, pros & cons.

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2011 (cask 2322501/2011) - Cask Masters (Brave New Spirits)Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)
DistilleryCaol IlaGlen Grant
RegionIslaySpeyside
CountryScotlandScotland
TypeSingle MaltSingle Malt
ABV53.9%52.5%
Age13 yr20 yr
Price£97.95£106.37
Rating5.00/5

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2011 (cask 2322501/2011) - Cask Masters (Brave New Spirits)

Smoke65/100
Sweetness45/100
Beginner40/100
Value0/100

Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Smoke0/100
Sweetness63/100
Beginner45/100
Value47/100

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2011 (cask 2322501/2011) - Cask Masters (Brave New Spirits)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SmokySweetFruitySpicyWoodyFloral

Quick verdict

Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is rated higher (5.00 vs 0.00).

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2011 (cask 2322501/2011) - Cask Masters (Brave New Spirits) is better value at £98 vs £106.

For beginners: Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is more approachable (45/100 beginner score).

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2011 (cask 2322501/2011) - Cask Masters (Brave New Spirits)

Pros

  • +Balanced smoky character without being overwhelming
  • +More affordable (£97.95 vs £106.37)
  • +Vibrant, fresh fruit character

Cons

  • High ABV (53.9%) — may need water
  • Lower community rating (0.0 vs 5.0)

Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

Pros

  • +Better value for money
  • +Higher community rating (5.0/5)
  • +Longer maturation (20 vs 13 years)
  • +More widely reviewed by the community

Cons

  • High ABV (52.5%) — may need water
  • More expensive (£106.37 vs £97.95)
  • Lacks smoke character compared to the alternative

Who should buy Caol?

Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2011 (cask 2322501/2011) - Cask Masters (Brave New Spirits) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Who should buy Glen?

Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor) is for enthusiasts who appreciate cask-strength intensity. Best enjoyed with a few drops of water to open up the flavours. Not ideal for casual drinking or beginners.

Tasting notes

Only Caol Ila 13 Year Old 2011 (cask 2322501/2011) - Cask Masters (Brave New Spirits)

SmokeyKipperyDried FruitFresh FruitOily

Only Glen Grant 20 Year Old 1992 (cask 446106) - The Octave (Duncan Taylor)

SherriedVanillaCooked FruitHoneyToasted

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